A classic David vs. Goliath story set in the Texas panhandle, only if David is an elite operator with a special set of skills and Goliath is an evil foreign-backed corporation raping the earth. Firestorm delivers an emotional experience that will infuriate readers before delivering a satisfying release. Kudos to Taylor Moore for crafting a page-turning, entertaining and timely story that hits you in the feels.
After DEA Special Agent Garrett Kohl successfully pulls off a dangerous mission to capture a cartel leader, he returns home to the Texas High Plains to find a different kind of trouble. Talon, a powerful energy company, has secured the land rights to his ranch and is about to start mining for rare earth minerals. Furthermore, the high level and aggressive nature of Talon’s security team puts Kohl’s family and friends in harm’s way. Fearing his land will be demolished, the environment polluted and the endangerment of everyone he cares about, Kohl goes on the offensive and takes the fight – figuratively and literally – to Talon with nothing short than expelling them from his land, an acceptable outcome. He just better do it quickly before everything he cherishes is destroyed.
The second book in the Garrett Kohl series, Taylor Moore does a fantastic job of developing all the characters by putting them through difficult trials to see what they are made of. In fact, this book is all about fighting for what’s right. Whether it’s fighting for a budding romantic relationship or taking on a heartless company, organizational bureaucracy, corruption or the rich and powerful, if the cause is just then the lesson is you must go all-in to fight. And thankfully, if you have the means to fight and can successfully come out the other side, you’ll be better for it. In that way, Firestorm is the epitome of the old adage “whatever doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”
That being said, rarely have I been so mad reading a book as I was watching Garrett, Lacey, Asadi and their friends and family get bulldozed by a malicious corporation. It’s quite exasperating to watch good people get bullied by ruthless individuals with more money and power who couldn’t care less about the damage they do as long as it’s good for their shareholders and bottom line. But despite the anger welling up inside while witnessing the callous actions directed at Kohl and crew, it’s worth it when the bad guys get their comeuppance. It just makes it sweeter.
The hallmark of a great book is the ability to make the readers feel what the characters are going through on an emotional level. To build a connection and lead the reader to engage with not only their head, but also their heart. Firestorm nails this concept wholeheartedly. Combined with great pacing, a thrilling story and virtuous characters, it makes for an excellent novel. Taylor Moore clearly has the goods and I can’t wait to see where he takes this burgeoning series next.
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